Palliative care is a clinical, interprofessional discipline focusing on improving quality of life through holistic assessment and support for people experiencing physical, psychological, social, or spiritual distress throughout an illness. It occurs in specialist and non-specialist settings, including primary care, clinic rooms, hospices, hospitals, and the home.
Digital health and technology describe a vast area of research and development, both in developing new tools to support the work of clinical staff and repurposing existing technology. Innovation in palliative care is vital as we better understand the complexity of an individual’s illness experience. New technologies can help us communicate, bridge understanding gaps, and better ameliorate suffering.
In recognition of the significant work in this area, BMC Palliative Care has published this Collection which encouraged submissions including, but not limited to, those addressing:
- Technological innovations in holistic symptom management
- Digital health solutions to symptom monitoring and health
- Communication aids and facilitators
- Use of technology in palliative professional education
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